Bosphorus Turks have arrived!

[fourstringdrums]

After only a next days wait for the cymbals to arrive from Cymbalsonly.com (which was one heck of a fast trip from NY to MA) the big brown truck dropped off my Bosphorus Turks!

First, they are gorgeous. I don't think the pictures do them justice. They are all basically the same look, but each of them have little nuiances that make them special. Although while prepping pictures I did forget which picture was the 2) ride and which was the 19" ride *lol* The 17" as you'll see in the picture has a reddish/punkish hue in spots that I think will match the finish of my Renowns great. I've never held an unlathed cymbal before outside of a Zildjian Earth Ride and they are a bit dirty. The bags they came in were a bit dirty too. Although after holding the Earth Ride I had to take a shower..nasty.

Tone wise, they are the darkest cymbals I've ever played, especially next to my HHX's, so it took a few minutes for my ears to adjust to them. I don't think they will cut through loud rock music, but for funk/groove and jazz which is what I usually play, they will do just fine I think.They are EXACTLY what I was hearing in my head.. They're dark, dry, musical and versatile. The hi-hats and ride especially are my favorites. I've always had a hard time finding a hi-hat and ride that I REALLY liked, where I felt that I could just play anything and the cymbals would cooperate. I've always had to either hold back so they didn't get to loud, or avoid playing certain areas of the cymbal because it didn't always sound good, or adjust my technique all together to get them to respond to my playing. Not with these...every place on the cymbal I want to play, using whatever technique at whatever volume I want, they respond beautifully. Even the splash I feel like I can ride on it, play the bell, accent the surface with the shoulder of my stick..whatever.. The 19" Thin Ride makes one heck of a crash, it's honestly the best of both worlds. The 17" crash rides pretty nicely too, and the bell gives you a whole other type of sound. As just a crash it responds quickly and is a nice contrast but blending companion to the thin ride. I'm VERY happy with these. I just can't wait to get my Gretsch Renown's this week so I can christen them officially :)

Here some pictures:

14" Light/Crisp Hi-hat & 9" Splash

http://www.handidrummed.com/turk_hi-hat_splash.jpg


17" Medium-Thin Crash

http://www.handidrummed.com/turk_crash.jpg

19" Thin Ride

http://www.handidrummed.com/turk_thinride.jpg

20" Medium Ride

http://www.handidrummed.com/turk_ride.jpg

Setup on my drums (minus my 10" tom so I wouldn't be distracted and because I'll be packing these up anyway soon). MFB inspired me a little too :)

http://www.handidrummed.com/turk_setup.jpg

[mind_drummer]

geez ! It's sex all the way !

Now post sound clip but with good mics ;-)

Congrats !

PS. Ship me your HHX !

[fourstringdrums]

geez ! It's sex all the way !

Now post sound clip but with good mics ;-)

Congrats !

PS. Ship me your HHX !

There are sound clips here (unless Tony deletes them) http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23648

Unfortunately the best I can do myself is with my digital camera mic.

[Drumms]

Three words, man: W O W !

Seriously, what a great set of cymbals! The splash is so sexy...

[mofle]

Those are the most ( I don't usually use this word for cymbals, but) SEXY cymbals I have ever seen!

Jealous!

[kung_f00]

OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH.

They look amazing!
By the way, when you've got everything settled, make sure to send pictures of your setup to Tony! He's got a gallery of setups from guys who buy cymbals from him.. and yeah, those pies are absolutely drool-worthy. Once I get on with buying those Gold Fast Crashes, I'll probably do the same.

Congrats, man! Can't wait to hear some soundfiles.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Well I'm dead impressed Rob. Those are really beautiful and now thanks to your recommendation, I'll probably be buying my next cymbal (bar cheap splashes) from that website. Looks like some really great service and a good selection. Damn it I want that 19" Crash/Ride/Thing! Either cymbalsonly for new, or maybe cymbalcellar if I want second hand.

Beautiful Rob, beautiful. Well done. And it's nice to know I'm inspiring people now and then.

[fourstringdrums]

OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH.

They look amazing!
By the way, when you've got everything settled, make sure to send pictures of your setup to Tony! He's got a gallery of setups from guys who buy cymbals from him.. and yeah, those pies are absolutely drool-worthy. Once I get on with buying those Gold Fast Crashes, I'll probably do the same.

Congrats, man! Can't wait to hear some soundfiles.

I've exchanged maybe 50 emails with Tony already, and getting him pics is something he's definately looking forward to.

I will record some sound files but I feel really bad that all I have is my digital camera. I never used to care, but it seems like when I posted the sound file of my Saluda crash, I got alot of flack from people about the quality.

[gretsch223]

WOW! First the gretsch reknown, and now this! You have a lot of new equipment now!

[Fat Elvis]

those are the most beautiful cymbals i have ever seen. I LOVE the turks and have wanted some for quite some time. Although you have burst my bubble a little -- how you mentioned that they are not suitable for loud rock -- which is what i play. Ho hum. I guess it is better that you told me that instead of me buying them and whacking the hell out of em trying to get em to cut.

i am hella jealous though.

[fourstringdrums]

Although you have burst my bubble a little -- how you mentioned that they are not suitable for loud rock -- which is what i play. Ho hum. I guess it is better that you told me that instead of me buying them and whacking the hell out of em trying to get em to cut.

i am hella jealous though.

I asked Tony about that, if they wouldn't be suitable or if the darkness just gave them an illusion of less volume and he said:

"Yes, it is just an illusion. They cut through in a different way because they're dry. There's more space between the notes, so the other instruments don't have to fight all the wash. If you do end up playing with folks at some point, they will immediately notice that they won't be battling with you to be heard."

[Fat Elvis]

I asked Tony about that, if they wouldn't be suitable or if the darkness just gave them an illusion of less volume and he said:

"Yes, it is just an illusion. They cut through in a different way because they're dry. There's more space between the notes, so the other instruments don't have to fight all the wash. If you do end up playing with folks at some point, they will immediately notice that they won't be battling with you to be heard."

thanks -- that gives me hope. I think i will start with maybe a 18" crash or something and see how that goes.

[fourstringdrums]

thanks -- that gives me hope. I think i will start with maybe a 18" crash or something and see how that goes.

Definately email Tony. I swear he's on the computer all day. Usually only takes him maybe an hour tops to get back to you. Sometimes 15 minutes. Call him even, he'll set you in the right direction and answer all your questions.

[pmsknives]

GOT MY BELL TODAY TOO!!! Man this thing sounds sweet...Will post pic tomorrow...

NICE TURKS!!! Must be nice to be rich!!! ha

Mark

[Fat Elvis]

Definately email Tony. I swear he's on the computer all day. Usually only takes him maybe an hour tops to get back to you. Sometimes 15 minutes. Call him even, he'll set you in the right direction and answer all your questions.

yeah i think i will give him a shout when i am ready to make a purchase -- which should be sometime within the next few weeks, i hope. I will defenately call him. I am very interested in the bosphorus cymbals -- and he seems to be the guy to talk to.

[fourstringdrums]

GOT MY BELL TODAY TOO!!! Man this thing sounds sweet...Will post pic tomorrow...

NICE TURKS!!! Must be nice to be rich!!! ha

Mark

Great, congrats! It did sound beautiful...that was you who posted it right?

Rich? Nah :)

[Miggle]

was also about to order turks or trad hats myself but decided to improve my playing before getting any more new hardware.

maybe the medium ones are OK for rock as they have 20% more mass than the thin counterparts.

really beautiful!. Eye catchers

[fourstringdrums]

was also about to order turks or trad hats myself but decided to improve my playing before getting any more new hardware.

maybe the medium ones are OK for rock as they have 20% more mass than the thin counterparts.

really beautiful!. Eye catchers

That's probably what I should have done first, but and this might sound stupid to some, but I think that the cymbals have improved my playing just by the expression I can put into them. When you have drums or cymbals where you really have to work extra hard to get your point across, it's very tough. If you have a kit that basically assists you in saying what you are telling them to say, it's much easier.

I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a 20" Turk Thin China. I'm going to be talking to Tony about it. Here are some samples:

http://cymbalsonly.com/cymbals/Bos/sf/k/20kch1784a.mp3 (solid hit)
http://cymbalsonly.com/cymbals/Bos/sf/k/20kch1784p.mp3 (performance)
http://cymbalsonly.com/cymbals/Bos/sf/k/20kch1784k.mp3 (kit)

[Drummer Karl]

Sorry but that is porn. and it is beautiful. One of the MOST beautiful cymbal set-ups I`ve ever seen!!!! Congrats!

If I can sell my 14" HHX Evolution Hats I`ll also buy some Turks: Istanbul Agop Turk Hats 14".

Man, this leaves me speechless. Really great.

Can you maybe tell me more about the Hi-Hats, I`m really really curious.

PS: Tony is a great person!

Karl =)

[Wegadrummer]

oh man fourstringdrums! Its like a dream! Congrats!

[fourstringdrums]

Sorry but that is porn. and it is beautiful. One of the MOST beautiful cymbal set-ups I`ve ever seen!!!! Congrats!

If I can sell my 14" HHX Evolution Hats I`ll also buy some Turks: Istanbul Agop Turk Hats 14".

Man, this leaves me speechless. Really great.

Can you maybe tell me more about the Hi-Hats, I`m really really curious.

PS: Tony is a great person!

Karl =)

Well my particular hi-hats are a bit lighter. To me the top hi-hat vs. the bottom hi-hat feels lighter than other setups I've used. The have a very dry stick sound and respond to the slightest touch, especially with the foot. They're the first hi-hat that I can play semi-open or closed but without any foot pressure and I don't cringe from any tinny overtones or just shea volume. They have kind of a hissy quality when opened and love to be played when opened with the shaft of the stick on the surface near the bell. The foot chick pretty loud considering they're light, and is nice and solid. The same goes for the foot "splash".

[pmsknives]

Great, congrats! It did sound beautiful...that was you who posted it right?

Rich? Nah :)

Yep...I posted that...Will try and shoot pics of it and my kit this weekend..

Mark

[fourstringdrums]

That's probably what I should have done first, but and this might sound stupid to some, but I think that the cymbals have improved my playing just by the expression I can put into them. When you have drums or cymbals where you really have to work extra hard to get your point across, it's very tough. If you have a kit that basically assists you in saying what you are telling them to say, it's much easier.

I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a 20" Turk Thin China. I'm going to be talking to Tony about it. Here are some samples:

http://cymbalsonly.com/cymbals/Bos/sf/k/20kch1784a.mp3 (solid hit)
http://cymbalsonly.com/cymbals/Bos/sf/k/20kch1784p.mp3 (performance)
http://cymbalsonly.com/cymbals/Bos/sf/k/20kch1784k.mp3 (kit)

Done :) It should be here tomorrow.

[fourstringdrums]

Here's my 20" Thin China. I love it! While I still have to get used to play a china again (it's been a few years, I have to relearn the best ways to play them, when etc..) it's the best sounding one that I've played. It can rip your face off at 100 hards if you really give it a whack, but it can have a nice soft roar when you hit it lightly. It also rides very well. I'm going to playing it with the bell up.

Here's a pic.

http://www.handidrummed.com/turk_china.jpg

[Fat Elvis]

very nice!!! do you have a link to a sound file? i am very interested in hearing this.... also, how does it compare to a wuhan (which i consider the ideal china sound).

[fourstringdrums]

very nice!!! do you have a link to a sound file? i am very interested in hearing this.... also, how does it compare to a wuhan (which i consider the ideal china sound).

Yup. http://cymbalsonly.com/cymbals/Bos/sf/k/20kch1784a.mp3 (solid hit)
http://cymbalsonly.com/cymbals/Bos/sf/k/20kch1784p.mp3 (performance)
http://cymbalsonly.com/cymbals/Bos/sf/k/20kch1784k.mp3 (kit)

I had a 20" Wuhan, but it was a while ago so I'm having a hard time thinking of what the wuhan was like. IMO this doesn't compare to the Wuhan. This is darker, has a bit more sustain, and is more "gentle" than the Wuhan. The Wuhan as I remember has really quick decay and is loud, and has a quick bite. When hit lightly I think the Wuhan had no sensitivy and had more of a gong type of sound.

[Deathmetalconga]

Okay, I can type now that my jaw has come up off the keyboard.

Insanely beautiful cymbals. Your Turks look raw and wild, as though a turbaned cymbalsmith just removed them for a kiln and they are still popping with smoke and fire.

I have been a Zildjian man my entire life and I love my shiny set of A Customs at http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18719, but I am now finding them very ho-hum. I have an extremely exotic drumset and I want some exotic-looking cymbals and instead I have some excellent but ordinary cymbals. The Bosphorus cymbals would complement the primitive appearance of my ironwood drums.

I really love my A Custom ping ride. Does Bosphorus make a ping ride, or the equivalent? Like a heavy ride? I believe that all my cymbals should be of the same model from the same manufacturer, so I would be looking at a complete set to replace the Zildjians at http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18719.

What is the China like? I played Wuhans for years but I like my 18-inch A Custom China because it replaces trashiness with shimmer, gulp, breath and is very dramatic. Is your Bosphorus China closer to the classic Chinese Wuhan sound, or close to the more European-influenced Zildjian China sound?

If I may ask, what did you pay for these, listed separately?

You are as lucky as you are discriminating. Congratulations!

www.terrasonus.com

[fourstringdrums]

Okay, I can type now that my jaw has come up off the keyboard.

Insanely beautiful cymbals. Your Turks look raw and wild, as though a turbaned cymbalsmith just removed them for a kiln and they are still popping with smoke and fire.

I have been a Zildjian man my entire life and I love my shiny set of A Customs at http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18719, but I am now finding them very ho-hum. I have an extremely exotic drumset and I want some exotic-looking cymbals and instead I have some excellent but ordinary cymbals. The Bosphorus cymbals would complement the primitive appearance of my ironwood drums.

I really love my A Custom ping ride. Does Bosphorus make a ping ride, or the equivalent? Like a heavy ride? I believe that all my cymbals should be of the same model from the same manufacturer, so I would be looking at a complete set to replace the Zildjians at http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18719.

What is the China like? I played Wuhans for years but I like my 18-inch A Custom China because it replaces trashiness with shimmer, gulp, breath and is very dramatic. Is your Bosphorus China closer to the classic Chinese Wuhan sound, or close to the more European-influenced Zildjian China sound?

If I may ask, what did you pay for these, listed separately?

You are as lucky as you are discriminating. Congratulations!

www.terrasonus.com (http://www.terrasonus.com)

Contact tony@cymbalsonly.com and he'll help you find a Bosphorus that will get you the sound you want. He can even custom order some of different weights. I posted sound files from Cymbalsonly.com for the cymbals I ordered over here http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23648&highlight=bosphorus+fever My ride has very tight stick definition and not alot of wash, but it's a hell of a lot darker than a Ping ride, so that might be an issue. Actually, you might like the Bosphorus Versa Ride, it's alittle brighter. Go to Cymbalsonly.com, scroll down to Versa and listen to the 20" Versa Ride 2498g. The one with the "Funk" sample.

As for the china, I'd say it's closer to the Zildjian than a Wuhan, only not so brash. It's darker so it can be used in a more subtle way. Honestly, I compare any Sabian or Zildjian to the Turks and there is no comparison. Look at the post above you for sound samples.

Price wise I paid, without shipping:

$321 for the 14" Light/Crisp Hi-hats
$225 for the 17" Medium-Thin Crash
$260 for the 19" Thin Ride
$276 for the 20" Medium Ride
$291 for the 20" Thin China, although I think he gave me a few bucks off of it because we agreed on $300 shipped for it.

[Deathmetalconga]

Price wise I paid, without shipping:

$321 for the 14" Light/Crisp Hi-hats
$225 for the 17" Medium-Thin Crash
$260 for the 19" Thin Ride
$276 for the 20" Medium Ride
$291 for the 20" Thin China, although I think he gave me a few bucks off of it because we agreed on $300 shipped for it.

I have priced out my wish list in the Turk line (20 inch medium ride, 13 inch heavy hats, 16 inch medium crash, 12 inch splash, 8 inch splash, 20 inch thin China, Agop Mehmet Radiant Bell) and it comes out to about $1,400. I priced out my equivalent set of A Customs and they came to $1,100.

These are definitely pro level cymbals. Their look and sound is enchanting and I must possess a set. I looked at the photos at cymbalsonly.com and their production is very labor intensive, with cymbalsmiths sitting around and putting in the hammer marks all by hand (I was surprised no one wore hearing protection!)

I drop in this thread periodically just to look at your cymbal porn. If you wanted to put up some new pics I wouldn't mind at all!

www.terrasonus.com

[Deathmetalconga]

After some thought and review, I am now considering ordering my Turks in Radiant finish (see an example at http://www.cymbalsonly.com/cymbals/mehmet/desc/rad_bell.htm). This can be done on request at the factory and doesn't add anything to to the cost, but it could delay the cymbals a few weeks or months.

Tony at Cymbalsonly.com says the Radiant finish is accomplished only with buffing and shining and no coating is applied. He said the sound is pretty much the same, except a Radiant may have a tiny bit more attack, ownig to its smooth surface, which I would actually appreciate.

The Radiant finish seems very dramatic. I do like shiny cymbals, but as other people have noted, cymbals from the major mass producers and just kind of generic. I think I could have the stunning sound and appearance of hand-hammered cymbals with the amazing shine of the Radiant finish.

[GarrettEvans]

Wow! Never seen anything like it...I can only agree with an above post that these cymbals are porn! And thanks for the sound links too...damn, dude...looks, performance...I'll join the jealousy ranks!

Let us know how the first gig goes!

[fourstringdrums]

Wow! Never seen anything like it...I can only agree with an above post that these cymbals are porn! And thanks for the sound links too...damn, dude...looks, performance...I'll join the jealousy ranks!

Let us know how the first gig goes!

I don't play out so I'll be the only one appreciating them at the moment :)

Deathmetalconga - Wow, that's gorgeous. Did he say how long of a way it would be to order cymbals in that finish?

[Deathmetalconga]

I don't play out so I'll be the only one appreciating them at the moment :)

Deathmetalconga - Wow, that's gorgeous. Did he say how long of a way it would be to order cymbals in that finish?

He said it would delay the order by 6 to 12 weeks, depending on where the factory is at in its production cycle.